The Enugu State Police Command has recovered an AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Enugu East Local Government Area.
The Command also confirmed the arrest of a suspected serial armed robber during a separate intelligence-led operation in Enugu metropolis.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Daniel Ndukwe.
According to the statement, the first operation took place on May 1, 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., when operatives attached to the Unity Division, working alongside Forest Guards, embarked on a bush-combing crime prevention patrol in Enugu East LGA.
During the operation, the security team reportedly encountered suspected armed kidnappers who opened fire on the operatives.
“The suspects engaged the joint security team in a gun duel but fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds due to the operatives’ superior firepower,” the statement said.
Police said one AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition and a winter cap were recovered from the scene, while efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation carried out on April 28, 2026, at about 9:20 a.m., operatives attached to the Central Police Station (CPS), acting on credible intelligence, arrested a 27-year-old suspect identified as Odume Junior at the Mgbemena/Akwata Sub-Market area of Ogbete Main Market.
The suspect was allegedly linked to a series of armed robbery operations within the area.
According to the police, he was found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size gun loaded with one live cartridge, alongside substances and items allegedly used for consuming methamphetamine, popularly known as “Mkpụrụ Mmịrị.”
The Command disclosed that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the robbery gang before the suspect would be charged to court.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives and Forest Guards for their professionalism and bravery.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements across the state.
“The Command remains committed to sustaining proactive policing and flushing out criminal elements and activities in Enugu State,” the police commissioner stated.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance safety and security across the state.
